Amit Shah Unveils Bharat Taxi: India's Largest Cooperative Ride-Hailing Platform
Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah officially launched Bharat Taxi, India's largest cooperative-based taxi service, in New Delhi on Thursday. This groundbreaking initiative introduces a driver-owned ride-hailing platform designed to transform the transportation sector by eliminating commissions and enhancing earnings for drivers.
Key Features and Objectives of Bharat Taxi
The platform positions itself as a revolutionary alternative in a market dominated by private players. By operating as a cooperative, Bharat Taxi does not charge commissions, allowing drivers to retain a significantly higher portion of their earnings from each ride. This model directly addresses long-standing grievances among commercial vehicle drivers who have been dependent on private ride-hailing firms.
For customers, the service promises reasonable and affordable pricing, making it a competitive option in the highly contested ride-hailing industry. The initiative aims to balance driver welfare with customer satisfaction, creating a sustainable ecosystem for urban mobility.
Phased Rollout and Current Operations
The pilot project for Bharat Taxi commenced in late November and early December 2025, initially covering Delhi-NCR and Rajkot. Following successful trials, the platform expanded to additional cities, including Ahmedabad, as part of a strategic phased rollout. According to government data, around 4 lakh drivers have already joined the platform, with over 10,000 rides reportedly completed daily.
To enhance accessibility, Bharat Taxi has increased its presence at high-footfall locations such as airports, metro stations, and railway hubs. Notably, pre-paid taxi booths have been established at Delhi airport, facilitating seamless travel for passengers.
Organizational Structure and Support
Bharat Taxi is operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd (STCL) in collaboration with the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). The initiative has garnered support from prominent institutions like Amul and NABARD, with their representatives serving on the interim board. This cooperative framework ensures that the platform remains driver-centric and community-oriented.
In a bid to expand visibility, a government release on January 14 sought promotional support from central and state departments. This collaborative effort underscores the national significance of the project.
Future Vision and Expansion Plans
The government has set an ambitious goal to make Bharat Taxi operational nationwide by 2029, with the aspiration of becoming India's largest ride-hailing application. This vision aligns with broader efforts to empower drivers and provide affordable transportation solutions across the country.
Union Minister Amit Shah had earlier emphasized in Parliament that Bharat Taxi aims to liberate commercial vehicle drivers from reliance on private firms. The launch marks a pivotal step towards realizing this objective, fostering a more equitable and cooperative economy in the transportation sector.
